Car makers 'missing' CO2 target

Renault, Toyota, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Fiat look like being the only major car manufacturers likely to meet an EU target on emissions reductions by the end of the decade, according to a new study.

The European Union wants vehicles to churn out less than 95g/km of CO2 by 2020, but PA Consulting Group's forecasts suggest that most manufacturers will not be able to do it, including all of Germany's big premium brands.

Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler's heavier fleets will struggle to meet the target and it will mean some difficult discussions between the EU, government and car makers in the future, PA believes.

The consulting group predicts that the three German car giants will be short of the mark, even if they get involved with the EU's 'super credits' scheme for electric and hybrid vehicles.

PA Consulting Group automotive expert Thomas Goettle is advising the EU and governments to collaborate to provide incentives for drivers to choose electric cars. He also said manufacturers must work to improve the ranges of their electric vehicles. That would make potential owners more confident they can make longer journeys on a single charge withoutbreakdowns due to lack of power.